Education saving lives on the road

A new driver qualification to reduce road accidents amongst NI teenagers

A new initiative to help make young people safer drivers and reduce deaths on Northern Ireland’s roads was unveiled today by Environment Minister, Edwin Poots.

New driver education software is being made available through schools to every 16 year old in Northern Ireland.  The software  provides the foundation for a BTEC in Driving Science, the world’s first academic qualification in novice driver training.

The initiative has been introduced by driver education company a²om (pronounced “atom”) in partnership with Northern Bank. 

The BTEC in Driving Science works in conjunction with normal driving lessons. More than 200 Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) have voluntarily retrained to specifically deliver the course and it has been widely welcomed by schools in Northern Ireland.

The course content addresses the importance of combining the right attitude with car control skills.  Research shows that a contributing factor in 19 out of 20 accidents is attitude and behaviour rather than lack of ability behind the wheel. In 2008, almost 10,000 young drivers were killed or seriously injured on UK roads (Department for Transport, 2008).

Nicholas Rowley, CEO for a²om explained:

“ Northern Ireland is leading the way in the UK by providing driver education to every 16 year old.  The BTEC in Driving Science will provide a learner driver with not only a higher level of driver training, but also a qualification and potential insurance benefits.  Statistics show that one in five new drivers will crash within a year of passing their test (OECD, 2006). Our training is therefore founded on a simple but compelling goal – to teach people to be safe drivers for life, and therefore save young lives.”

Superintendent Muir Clark, PSNI said:

“Police welcome the creation of an education package and recognised qualification which has been designed specifically to improve the attitude and behaviour of young drivers. Police encourage all young drivers and their parents to consider the benefits of the course.”

Rosamond Bennett, Northern Bank's Head of Communications added that the challenge for engendering responsible attitudes amongst young people is something that should be shared by everyone in society. She said:

“ The importance of equipping young people with essential life skills, in this case potentially lifesaving skills, is a challenge that should be met by all across society and that’s why Northern Bank wants to play its role in helping to develop responsible attitudes and not just the car control skills.”

Together we can make a difference:

The BTEC in Driving Science costs the student £175. This can be funded by the pupil, their school or may be subsidised.  Northern Bank, in partnership with a²om, is offering customers with a Northern Freedom or Northern Discovery account £100 off the cost of a BTEC in Driving Science.

Further information:

For further information regarding a²om’s BTEC please go to: www.a2om.com/btec

The BTEC in Driving Science, is accredited by Edexcel, leading provider of internationally recognised qualifications for GCSE and BTEC.